PREPARATION for the mass culling of stray dogs in Gizo is underway after the Gizo Taskforce Committee announced that dog baits are expected to arrive in the Western Provincial capital soon.
A meeting to prepare for this exercise and to address the growing concern over the rising stray dog population in Gizo and public safety was held on Tuesday at the Western Provincial Government Chamber.
The Dog Taskforce Committee meeting was also attended by representatives of the Provincial Health Environment Division, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey and other key stakeholders.
Chairperson of the Gizo Dog Taskforce Committee, Gizo Town Clerk Charles Kelly told Solomon Star in an interview that the decision was not made lightly but taken after extensive discussions.
“Right now, the Western Provincial Government and the Gizo Town Council have already purchased the dog bait from the importer through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Pest Control Board,” Mr Kelly added.
He said the dog baits which have been ordered from a company in Australia have arrived in the country and are now with MAL and will soon be sent to Gizo.
Mr Kelly said they are using the dog baits at the approval of the government and so the taskforce is preparing for the challenging task ahead.
“Our team will have to prepare in advance the necessary resources that are needed on the ground before we carry out the dog bait plotting on specific zones,” he added.
As part of preparations for the exercise, the Western Provincial Health Environment Division Team will conduct a mass awareness.
The burial site will be in Mile 3.
The dog bait costs around $1,086.45 from the Animal Control Technologies (Australia) Pty Ltd.
As preparations continue, the Gizo Dog Taskforce is urging the public to cooperate and report any aggressive or stray dogs in their vicinities.
The taskforce is also urging dog pet owners to ensure their dogs are properly kept within their premises and to put a belt strap on them to avoid inclusion in the culling exercise.
The mass culling is expected to take place in October as authorities will have to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
